“We have a bunch of really creative people enrolled in our opioid addiction treatment program, skilled in arts of all kinds. We have an art therapy group, and I love looking at their creations.
As a special project, a group of patients made a beautiful mural on one wall of our facility, seen above. On the far left, scenery is dark and foreboding, with tombstones and other images of bleakness. Gradually there’s a transition as you look to the right. At the far right, the imagery is more cheerful, with pretty flowering trees and green grass. In the middle, signposts direct the viewer to the left, labeled “addiction,” and to the right, labelled “recovery.”
I started to wonder about whether art therapy was evidence-based, probably because I wanted it to be, because I like the idea of art therapy.
I found studies showing art therapy can decrease denial, reduce opposition to treatment, and give people with substance use disorders a means of communication. (Cox & Price, 1990, Allen et al, 1985, Moore, 1983) Some studies show that art can help lessen shame, and be an aid to group discussions for people with substance use disorders. (Johnson, 1990). Art can also help patients feel more motivated about making changes. (Holt & Kaiser, 2009, Matto et al, 2003).
Read more at: https://janaburson.wordpress.com/2016/07/09/art-therapy-as-treatment-for-substance-use-disorders/img_1804/
Source: Dr. Jana Burson – July 9, 2016
